The Gunners have long been linked with a move for Saints midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, but with the Frenchman likely to stay The Sun claims that his teammate Wanyama is now the new primary target.

The former Celtic star has been superb on the South Coast over the past 18 months, taking to the rigors of Premier League football impressively and allegedly attracting interest from North London in the process.

“The Arsenal boss wants Southampton’s Wanyama at £20m. Wenger’s Gunners will have to move fast for midfielder Wanyama, 23, who is also wanted by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino,” The Sun states.

Should Arsenal make a move for Victor Wanyama?

Tackles per Game

Interceptions per Game

Effective Clearances per Game

Def Duels Won per Game

Aerial Duels Won per Game

Ball Recoveries per Game

Appearances

Francis Coquelin

2.93

3.13

3.93

8.8

3.07

7.87

15

Victor Wanyama

2.54

1.69

1.69

7.15

2.15

6.31

26

The 23-year-old has been one of the biggest influences behind the Saints’ excellent campaign this season, but is that defensive midfield slot now a priority for the Gunners given Francos Coquelin’s fine form?

As per the table provided by Opta Stats, the French midfielder has outshined Wanyama in as many as six key defensive midfield categories such as tackling, interceptions and ball recoveries.

A new world-class defensive midfielder has long been the so-called missing piece of the jigsaw for the Gunners, but on current form there aren’t many better out there than the men they currently have.

Wanyama would be a solid signing in most cases, but at the reported figure of £20 million he would have to be a regular first-teamer – a position he would fail to secure owing to Coquelin’s newfound importance.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.